Don’t let tickets limit your graduation

Graduating California State University, East Bay seniors are upset with the five-ticket limit for commencement, but that does not mean the fun is over.

This is the second year where CSUEB will have their commencement ceremony with the four colleges combined.

During last year’s graduation workshop, Ronn Patton, the manager of university events, told students that “ceremonies would be held differently to give graduate students a more traditional hooding ceremony,” according to Alexandria Leavenworth in her article “There is Not Enough Space for You at Graduation.”

Just like last year, many seniors are upset again with the five-ticket limit. I have been irritated with the thought of only inviting five people to my graduation ceremony, but it is time to get over it and make the best of it.

With the expansion of technology, you can record your graduation from your point of view. I plan on recording videos on my iPhone during the ceremony to post on apps like Instagram and Vine. Later, I can share the videos with my family and friends that were not able to attend the ceremony.

After the ceremony, you can always throw a graduation party. That is a great way to get your family and friends together to celebrate your great accomplishment. I am sure they will enjoy eating and celebrating instead of sitting in the bleachers in the warm weather listening to long and boring speeches.

Graduating senior, Brad Rich, plans on throwing a big barbeque after the ceremony.

“My family in Colorado already bought their flights to come out here way in advance, so I’m going to throw a party and celebrate with them at a park since they all cannot attend the ceremony,” said Rich.

Another way last year’s graduates made the best of the ceremony were by bringing flasks with them. I do not suggest that and I’m sure the university would not appreciate that, but to each their own.

Although only your five guests will get to admire your creativity, it is always fun to decorate your graduation cap. I went to Michael’s and found glittery paper to glue on my cap and letters to add my name on it. I’m not a part of any sorority, club, or sport so my cap is pretty plain, but pink glitter makes everything better.

It does feel like CSUEB is sucking the fun out of graduation by only allowing us to pick no more than five people to watch us walk that stage, but it isn’t the end of graduation. The friends and family you love will be waiting after the ceremony to celebrate your accomplishment with you and make sure you rock your decorated cap the whole night!